Scientists create breath strips that heal hot food burns

Researchers at a university in the USA have created oral strips that can relieve pain from burns caused by eating or drinking hot liquids and foods, such as pizza.

Jason McConville, PhD, and colleagues from the University of Texas in Austin, have created the strips, similar to breath-freshening strips, Geekologie reports.

They are made from benzocaine, an anaesthetic found in dental products and throat lozenges.

McConville said in a press release: "We found these strips to be non-toxic, which has huge potential for anyone who burns their mouth while eating and drinking hot foods - and that's just about everyone."

The team are now based at the University of New Mexico. They are hoping to create a stronger oral strip to treat more severe burns lasting longer than 2 to 3 days.

However it might be a while before we see the strips, they have yet to be tested on humans.